Why Officials Don't Tell the Media Everything
Cass R. Sunstein
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But when they are able to pose questions, what do Washington journalists want to know?
Here is a guide to four common requests, based in large part on my experience in government, that can make public officials reluctant to engage with reporters or provide helpful answers to them. (I do not deal here with the Freedom of Information Act and related transparency questions, which are obviously important but would require a separate discussion.)
1. “Please disclose an important policy decision before it is finalized or announced.”
Needless to say, it takes a long time to figure out how to handle a complicated problem, whether it involves the environment, housing, homeland security or something else. Journalists often want a hint in advance. Officials usually have to dodge the question. They might not yet know the ultimate decision; often, things are in flux. If they do know where things are headed, it’s almost never their place to make the announcement ahead of time.
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4. “Please respond to some recent allegation so we can highlight it and explore who is right or who is telling the truth.”
This is a frequent request, made when critics or members of the opposing political party allege that the administration has made mistakes or engaged in misdeeds. It is perfectly legitimate, and possibly even necessary, for Washington reporters to seek an official response to such allegations. In some cases, a response is appropriate. But if the allegation is baseless, officials may have no interest in responding to it, because any response — even a denial — might well spark more discussion and serve to ensure that the allegation will get greater attention.